Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 3, 2021
Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer. Proverbs 30:25
Systematic saving is a wise way to express faith in our Heavenly Father. He does His part by giving us the ability to produce resources and He expects us not to spend it all in the present. The temptation is to take the work of our hands and have it all for now. However, when we wait on wants and save for needs, we position ourselves to give in our golden years. “Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be” (Job 8:7).
Regular savings requires self-denial and self-sacrifice. This is especially hard for those who are spenders. You want to reward yourself for a job well done, so you splurge and enjoy the moment. Perhaps a good goal is to save 10% for long-term savings, just like you give 10% to the church and the Lord’s work. Consider an automatic draft from your checking account into safe savings, so over time you adjust and don’t miss the money.
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:20
When you systematically save it gives you options. Would you like to have the opportunity to take your grandchildren on mission trips or give to building orphanages around the world? Maybe. Or you may have the simple goal of access to proper healthcare. None of us want to be a burden to family or friends, though they are there to bless you. Perhaps, you raise them to one day care for you. “So there is hope for your future,” declares the LORD. “Your children will return to their own land” (Jeremiah 31:17).
Wise stewards decide early on, to set up a savings plan and not presume on the Lord. Use the times you gather extra income to store up for the lean times, just as Joseph saved grain during the prosperous days so he could provide during the days of famine. Your short-term sacrifice will lead to long-term security. Saving now increases giving later. Lead a disciplined life today and you will enjoy the fruit of fulfillment tomorrow.
“This food should be held in reserve for the country, to be used during the seven years of famine that will come upon Egypt, so that the country may not be ruined by the famine” (Genesis 41:36).
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me learn from your creation to prepare for the future and not presume on you, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Make a goal to max out your annual IRA, 401K, or save 10% into a mutual fund.
Related Reading
Proverbs 21:5; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 1 Timothy 5:8
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